Resident vs Non-Resident Accounts
Spanish banks offer two main types of account. A non-resident account (cuenta de no residente) is for people who do not live in Spain — it is straightforward to open but usually carries higher fees and requires a certificate of non-residency, which the bank renews periodically. A resident account is for those living in Spain and generally has lower fees. You can switch from non-resident to resident once you obtain residency. Which you need depends on your status, not your nationality.
Why You Need a Spanish Account
Even as a non-resident, a Spanish account makes life much easier and is effectively required for:
- Completing a property purchase — funds and banker's cheques for the notary usually come from a Spanish account.
- Paying utilities, community fees, IBI and non-resident tax by direct debit.
- Receiving a Spanish salary or pension.
- Setting up a mortgage, which the lender will link to a Spanish account.
Documents You'll Need
Requirements vary by bank, but you should expect to provide:
- Valid passport (and NIE, which most banks now require even for non-residents).
- A certificate of non-residency (for a non-resident account) — the bank can often obtain it for a fee.
- Proof of address and, sometimes, proof of income or the source of funds (anti-money-laundering checks).
- For residents: your TIE and padrón certificate to open a resident account.
Traditional Banks vs Online Banks
Established banks such as Sabadell, CaixaBank, BBVA and Santander have English-speaking branches along the Costa del Sol and are well suited to property buyers and mortgages. Online and app-based banks can be quicker and cheaper for day-to-day use, though they may be less convenient for large property-related transfers and banker's cheques. If you are buying property, we usually recommend a traditional bank for the transaction and, if you wish, an online account alongside it for daily spending.
How We Can Help
As part of a property purchase or your move to Spain, we can guide you to a suitable, English-speaking bank, help you gather the right documents, and — where you use a Power of Attorney — assist with opening the account and setting up the direct debits you'll need. This dovetails with our NIE service so everything is ready in time for completion.